The urge to stay connected to friends, family and the news
is particularly strong in light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. And for people
who are often on the road, a wireless phone like Nextel's i90c might be a compelling
choice. With this $200 phone, you can check out the latest news on the Web and
send two-way messages. And if you happen to know people who also subscribe to
Nextel's Direct Connect service, you can use the phone's two-way radio to contact
them with the push of a button.

But this phone, which can use software written in a computer
language called Java, is much more than a communication device. It's also a
do-it-all gadget for people who always need to be doing something  be
it adding names and phone numbers to a directory, updating an appointment calendar,
playing Java games on a tiny phone screen or simply downloading additional programs
to do even more.

Lightweight and colorful

For a device packed with so many features, the i90c is
relatively compact and easy to operate. The midnight blue and silver flip-top
measures 3.5 inches by 1.9 inches by 1.1 inches, making it just the right size
to slip inside a coat pocket or a small bag. And because it only weighs about
4.8 ounces, this phone isn't something you'll regret taking with you on long
hikes or bike rides.

A small external screen displays the time, date and remaining
battery life, and if your phone is set up for caller ID, the name and number
of the person who is trying to call you. When you flip open the phone, you'll
see a tiny built-in speaker, a square display screen and a keypad. Depending
on what you're doing, the display varies. Sometimes, it serves as a phone directory.
Other times it doubles as a wireless Web browser, giving you the latest news
and weather reports. And because the type can be adjusted to three different
sizes, reading the information on the screen is possible  even when you
can't find your glasses.

Dialing and menus

Dialing numbers on the phone is simple enough. If it's
a number you've stored in the unit's phone book, you can simply say  or
press  its speed dial code. Likewise, accessing the phone's various features
proved easy. You press the Menu button and then use the four-way arrow button
to scroll through the choices. The screen displays two command choices 
Exit or View, for example, or Back and Select  directly above two buttons
on each side of the menu button. Pushing one of these buttons will trigger the
corresponding command. The only problem with this system is that the commands
frequently change positions. For one task, you might need to hit the right button
one time and the left one the next time.

The phone's blinking exterior green light also proved a
bit disconcerting. When the tiny light flashes green, that means all systems
are go, and it's OK to call. But for some folks, this light will undoubtedly
prove confusing because it resembles a voice-mail message waiting light.

Unlike some Web-enabled phones, surfing the Web with the
i90c proved useful and relatively hassle-free. To go online, all you do is select
the Net feature on the phone's menu. You then can go to a pre-selected Web site,
type in a Web site with the phone keys, search for a specific word or jump to
a bookmarked site.

One of the phone's coolest  albeit potentially most
annoying  features is its speakerphone. When turned on, not only can those
nearby hear what you're saying, but they also can overhear what the caller on
the other end is saying. Obviously, this isn't a feature you'll want to use
while traveling on a train or bus, but it can be handy when others need to get
in on the conversation, too.

Nextel i90C
Rating: (*** 1/2 out of five)Price: $200 with wireless service activation.Pro: Compact device comes loaded with multiple features that can help
you stay in touch.Con: Inconsistent locations for basic Menu commands can be confusing.Bottom Line: If you need a phone that lets you talk, surf the Web, send
e-mail and juggle appointments, this multi-featured phone is worth a look.Details: The phone comes with a built-in speakerphone, voice-activated
dialing, a voice recorder for calls and memos, a phone book that can handle
up to 250 contacts, a date book tool, different ring options and a blue back-lit
display.Information: www.nextel.com.